Screening for obstructive sleep apnea before coronary angiography

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with suspected coronary heart disease (CHD) is yet to be clarified. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of OSA before coronary angiography (CAG).

We retrospectively evaluated patients with suspected CHD admitted to the Department of Geriatric Cardiology of our hospital between July 2019 and July 2021. OSA was screened using the level III home sleep apnea test before CAG. The prevalence of OSA was then compared between the CHD and non-CHD groups. CHD severity was determined using the Gensini score of CAG results, and OSA severity was graded using the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).

Among the 327 patients, 211 had CHD. In total, 264 patients were diagnosed with OSA (80.7%) (184 patients, CHD group [87.2%]; 80 patients, non-CHD group [69.0%]). The CHD group had a significantly higher prevalence of OSA (P < 0.01) and higher AHI (CHD group 18.76 ± 14.94, non-CHD group 11.56 ± 10.67, P < 0.01). The Gensini score was positively correlated with OSA severity in patients with CHD, and AHI ≥ 20 was a risk factor for CHD (odds ratio: 1.961, 95% confidence interval: 1.065-3.608, P < 0.05).

OSA screening before CAG revealed a higher prevalence in CHD patients than in non-CHD patients. The degree of coronary artery obstruction is positively correlated with AHI, and AHI ≥ 20 is a risk factor for CHD. Therefore, attention should be paid to OSA screening and management before CAG in patients with suspected CHD.